What could be the cause of persistent leg swelling and knee pain in a teenager actively involved in sports?

Question

Hello doctor,

As a teenager who recently started working and is actively involved in sports, I have been experiencing persistent swelling in the back of my calves, making it difficult for me to walk. This swelling has been present for a week straight. Additionally, I have been consistently working every day, and my knee is causing severe pain. I have a history of Osgood-Schlatter disease affecting my knee, but I am concerned about what might be causing the issues in my legs. There is also a knot-like sensation in my legs.

I would greatly appreciate your advice in understanding the possible cause of these symptoms and whether further medical evaluation is necessary.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

It appears that the muscle soreness you are experiencing is likely due to excessive physical activity, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles and resulting in pain. This discomfort typically resolves within one to two weeks.

For relief, you can consider over-the-counter options like:

Tablet Ibuprofen (400mg) as needed, up to three times a day.
Tablet Naproxen (250mg) up to two times a day.

When taking these medications, it is important to accompany them with an antacid to protect your stomach. You can take a tablet of Pantoprazole or Esomeprazole before breakfast, once a day. These medications belong to the class of proton pump inhibitors and help reduce stomach acid production.

In addition, you can use Diclofenac gel or spray for local application. The active ingredient in Diclofenac is Diclofenac sodium.

To prevent future occurrences, it is recommended to gradually resume your activities and incorporate warm-up exercises. Sudden and unaccustomed activities can contribute to muscle soreness.

I hope I have addressed your concerns. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Thank you.